The Truffaut cinema in Girona has been closed since July 14, with Mayor Lluc Salellas admitting the situation is far from ideal. The local government is now focused on finding a resolution to reopen the beloved venue.
The Truffaut cinema in Girona remains shuttered, a situation that Mayor Lluc Salellas admits he never wanted to see. Since its closure on July 14, following a management dispute, the city has faced mounting pressure to resolve the issue and restore this cultural landmark.
Salellas revealed that the cinema’s closure stems from a legal challenge against the recent management contract awarded to Rambla del Art-Cambrils. The decision was met with opposition from three council members of Guanyem, who voted against it, citing concerns over potential risks to essential services linked to the cinema.
“I can perform self-criticism as mayor because we have reached a point I wanted to avoid,” Salellas stated. He emphasized that his administration’s priority is now to reopen Truffaut as soon as possible while ensuring that the Col·lectiu de Crítics, which managed the cinema for 25 years, receives a dignified closure amidst this turmoil.
The ongoing legal proceedings before the Tribunal Català de Contractes del Sector Públic could delay any resolution for another two or three months. “When we have clarity on this matter, we will work towards reopening,” Salellas explained.
The crisis began when Rambla del Art-Cambrils was awarded management rights after scoring highest in evaluations. However, not all council members agreed; Guanyem’s representatives raised alarms about how this change might affect community access and service quality.
In response to public outcry and numerous communications from citizens and institutions alike, Guanyem argued there were sufficient reasons of public interest to reconsider the contract before it was finalized. “We believed conditions warranted us taking action,” Salellas noted.
This predicament echoes past challenges faced by cultural institutions across Spain when management changes threaten their operational integrity. For instance, similar controversies have arisen in Barcelona regarding local theaters where community engagement played a crucial role in their survival.
The mayor also mentioned that discussions are ongoing about future management models for Truffaut. He signed a decree on the same day as the controversial vote aimed at exploring alternative options for managing this unique venue—one of Girona’s few cinemas offering films in original version.
“The four main groups within our council have expressed willingness to rethink how we manage Truffaut so it remains a public reference point,” he added. This collaborative spirit may lead to broader consensus on how best to proceed once legal matters are resolved.
As residents await updates on both legal proceedings and potential new management strategies, they can stay informed through city announcements regarding future developments related to Truffaut’s reopening plans. For now, those wishing to support local culture can explore other venues offering screenings across Girona while keeping an eye out for news about their cherished cinema’s return.
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